Underbody Coating

WHAT IS UNDERBODY COATING ?

Underbody coating is usually a dense cladding (often based on rubber) applied uniformly to the undercarriage of the automobile. It is normally sprayed or painted on when the car is just out of the dealership and is clean. But even if you are getting the undercoating applied after a couple of years, it’s fine too. This is because it can prevent further damage to the undercarriage.

The main purpose of undercoating is to check rust especially in the body components like frame rails along with other exposed metal parts. Underbody coating can also reduce wear and tear.

The above images clearly explains us about the actual usage of underbody coating,it looks very good and safe from corrosion after the under body coating completed.

WHAT IS THE NEED OF UNDERBODY COATING ?

According to Indian road conditions, a cars underbody is mostly damaged due to corrosion. Underbody coating provides long term protection from corrosion to car’s underbody. It also protects parts like internal body panels, frame rails and other inner cavities that are not physically accessible but are damaged due to corrosion.

A car’s underbody is exposed the most to muddy terrains, potholes, debris and stones, and wet and even flooded roads that lead to corrosion of the underbody. Since the underbody is hard for us to inspect by ourselves, it is important to have an underbody coating in order to ensure your car is protected during these times.

PURPOSE OF UNDERBODY COATING

1. FIGHTS RUST :- It plays an important role in keeping corrosion at bay. Underbody coating can come in handy especially if you live near the sea, where there is too much humidity, and rusting is just one of those everyday things. You should also seriously consider undercoating if you reside in a place where it snows in winter.
2. ABSORBS NOISE :- Believe it or not, very thick undercoating can soften the noises that reach the cabin. Since the undercoating is often made up of rubber it absorbs some of the rackets. The occupants of the car could spare themselves of the road noises – at least up to a certain extend.

3. REINFORCEMENT :- If your car comes with stock underbody coating, using another coating on top of it, is not going to hurt. It will offer additional reinforcement, protecting the underbody from water, road debris, gravel and small pebbles. There would also be a lesser chance for the factory coat to flake away.

4. INCREASED OR MAINTAINED LIFE :- Good undercoating not only defends the underbody from corrosion but also protects the engine and transmission as well! Less rusting coupled with slower wear and tear can surely add years to the lifespan of your vehicle. There would be fewer dents, dings and scratches on the undercarriage for you to fret about.

TYPES OF UNDERBODY COATING :-

• RUBBERIZED UNDERBODY COATING :-

• It is widely considered to be the best underbody coating for your cars. It protects the underbody from scratches and keeps it properly. It’s also not difficult to apply this to the undercarriage. This can be done at the authorized service center or by the local repair shop at a reasonable price. Rubberized coating is ideal if you want to keep the road noise to a minimum and rust and corrosion away. In addition to your undercarriage, rubberized undercoating is also safe to use on wheel wells and quarter panels, and dries to a soft rubbery finish that prevents further rust, damage, or moisture seeps. The coating can be painted over and, if necessary for bodywork, can be easily removed with an undercoating removal spray.
• WAX BASED UNDERBODY COATING :- This – more or less – ephemeral undercoating will wear away in a few months’ time. On the upside, wax-based undercoating puts up a big fight against moisture. It is also the most affordable option out there.
• ASPHALT BASED UNDERBODY COATING :- Best suited for lorries, trucks and large vehicles this provides a greater degree of protection compared to rubber-based coatings. However, asphalt-based coatings contain little amounts of rubber for sound-insulation purposes. The process of applying this coating is a bit time-consuming though.
• POLYURETHANE UNDERBODY COATING :- This coating closes up splits and fractures on the underbody of the vehicle. It offers up good protection against corrosion and also bonds with the metal. Unlike in the case of asphalt-based coating, you can paint over the polyurethane coating .

Pro's :-

1. It provides a layer of protection against corrosion.

2. It will extend the life of your vehicle.

3. It can be applied to damaged areas.

4. It may help to reduce interior noise.

Con's :-

1. It is less helpful if corrosion is already present.

2. It works best on new cars.

3. Most vehicles make it five years before corrosion begins to show.

4. It adds weight to the vehicle.

5. An undercoating is not impervious to damage.